Cancún Stays Popular Despite Safety Warnings

Mérida, Mexico — Despite security concerns in Cancún, the Mexican Caribbean destination remains a top choice for Yucatecos seeking vacations or beach getaways, though some now opt for the Riviera Maya instead. Foreign tourists booking through Yucatán-based agencies also show little concern over violence in Quintana Roo’s tourism hub, though they take precautions due to security alerts.

“Lock-In” Tourism Strategy

Many Yucatecos continue traveling to Cancún by staying within all-inclusive hotel zones, which are heavily guarded by municipal, state, federal, and military police. Observations at Mérida’s ADO bus terminal on Holy Thursday confirmed Cancún as a leading destination for local travelers during the current holiday season.

Sharp Decline in Spring Breakers

Cancún has seen a drastic drop in “spring breakers,” a key demographic. From a peak of 120,000 students, arrivals now range between 30,000 and 35,000. In February, the U.S. government issued a travel advisory urging citizens to avoid Cancún, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum due to safety concerns.

According to Mexico’s National Urban Public Security Survey (Inegi), 74.1% of Cancún residents considered the city unsafe in 2024—a stark contrast to Mérida, where only 31.5% shared that sentiment.

Tourism Industry Responds

Quintana Roo’s hotel associations have demanded stronger government action against insecurity. Jorge Escalante Bolio, a 50-year veteran in tourism and owner of Amigo Yucatán, noted that foreign clients still frequently request trips combining Quintana Roo with Yucatán and Campeche.

Security Warnings Fail to Deter Demand

“Travel inquiries for Cancún remain steady. Foreigners—whether European or American—don’t seem overly concerned by security alerts,” Escalante told Diario de Yucatán. “Yucatecos also don’t express fear. We even provide Mérida-Cancún transfers for those catching international flights, with no reported issues.”

He added that while some tourists heed warnings, they rarely cancel trips: “They might think, ‘I’ll be more cautious,’ but they still go.” However, Escalante acknowledged that insecurity has impacted certain market segments.

Perceived Safety in Resorts

Escalante observed that tourists feel protected within all-inclusive resorts, though the freedom to explore local restaurants or shops has diminished. “All-inclusive programs have economically hurt surrounding communities,” he said. “Why leave if everything’s already paid for?”

An anonymous Mérida travel agent echoed this, noting Cancún’s world-class beaches and heavily patrolled hotel zones sustain demand. Meanwhile, Marifer Salazar Ruiz, a sales executive at another agency, said some clients now prefer the Riviera Maya due to safety concerns.

Enhanced Security Measures

Quintana Roo launched its “Vacation Security Operation” for Holy Week, deploying 7,244 state, municipal, federal, and military personnel to beaches, nightlife areas, and highways. Authorities anticipate 1.2 million visitors during the holiday period.